We couldn't say it any better than Nicolás Cuestas, Creative Director at BITÂCORA that he describes as 'a space where art and design intertwine, incubating projects, ideas, experiments, concepts and production processes that generate a colourful spectrum of results.' YAS looooving what these guys are getting up to bluring the line between art and design.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied Art in Universidad de Los Andes one of the best schools in Bogotá, Colombia. Then moved to NYC to study an MFA in Digital Arts in Pratt Institute. My first job was an internship at Daniel Arsham Studios. It was a remarkable experience. From a young age I have always collaborate with colleagues by creating collectives and art/design studios where we approach different creative backgrounds.
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
Art direction applied to different platforms in accordance to the projects and concepts suggested or planned. I am the creator and owner of BITACORA™ – a space where art and design intertwine, incubating projects, ideas, experiments, concepts and production processes that generate a colourful spectrum of results.
Who’s on the team, what are their roles and why do you love them?
Andrea Vargas Gaviria—Graphic Designer and Art Director. By far the person I have collaborated with most in co-creating projects, developing thoughts and fulfilling dreams.
Luis Mayorga—ndustrial Designer. Business Partner in upcoming projects. A guy I can relate with regarding projects and manifesting amazing ideas.
Natalia Barragán Nieto—Junior Designer. A fresh approach to contemporary thinking.
How did you develop your style as an illustrator and what tips would you have for others?
Researching, observing and living. I believe beyond the internet the key is to interact with others and create social interactions in different contexts that will help you expand your senses in order to co-create with the universe.
We need to speak to other audiences. Create social and sustainable design but not in terms of production but in terms of anthropological research.
Where do you think design is heading in the next five years and how will you adapt?
The future is all about creating experiences. To get out of the absorbing hyper virtual realities and start living with all our senses. Personally, I am expanding my practices to architectural and sculptural developments to create new projects.
What is the design landscape like on your city and where do you fit in?
Bogotá is the new hot spot for entrepreneurs in Latin America. I love to be part of a city that is creating for the first time its own identity. I feel lucky to be part of its cultural growth. My studio Bitâcora offers initiatives that diffuse the idea of art and design as opposing disciplines and define them as complements.
What do you think the design community could do more of to give back?
I think we need to speak to other audiences. Create social and sustainable design but not in terms of production but in terms of anthropological research.
2018 for you in a sentence.
Re-coding our thoughts to manifest our projections.
What are your three must-read design books, blogs or podcasts and why?
